WASHINGTON — Want a quick tax refund? File your federal return online and have the refund deposited directly into your bank account.
The Internal Revenue Service launched its online filing system Friday with a promise that people who do their taxes electronically will get refunds in as little as 10 days.
For those who file paper returns, refunds are expected to take four to six weeks, said David R. Williams, the agency’s director of electronic tax administration.
“We really encourage people to file electronically,” Williams said, adding that it’s fast, free and safe.
“We believe e-file is safe and secure, and we work with the tax software industry to make sure it stays that way,” Williams said.
One group still will need to file paper forms: those taking advantage of expanded homebuyer tax credits approved by Congress in November. Congress required documentation to claim the credits, so those returns must be done on paper, Williams said.
